Simple Ways to Drop a Few Pounds

It’s that time of year, when we’re on a mission to drop a few pounds. And after a December of gluttony, who can blame us? I don’t believe in magic solutions or rapid weight loss, but I do believe in small but significant changes that not only help your waistline but also make your life better.

Here are a few changes I’ve implemented that made me fitter and happier.

Green Your Routine

Did you know that everyday products around your house can wreak havoc on your hormones and make you gain weight? Many of these products contain parabens, phosphates, and neurotoxins that your body is unable to process. That can make you feel tired, sluggish, and foggy.

I use Melaleuca cleaning products, which are all natural (no toxic ingredients). They also work better and cost less money than traditional cleaners.

For skin care, I love Lulu Blossom products. Made from all natural ingredients that you’d find in your own kitchen, these products smell wonderful and keep your skin hydrated and refreshed.

Get Better Sleep

According to the National Sleep Foundation, forty million adults suffer from chronic sleep disorders. Sleep deprivation is a serious matter. In addition to weight gain, it can cause a litany of negative effects, such as:

weakened immune system

depression

constipation

heart disease

In the past, I have had trouble sleeping. Then I heard about the Sleep Solution. This easy to follow, multi-pronged approach got me back the restful nights I had been craving. (Read more about the Sleep Solution here.)

Break up With Gluten

Gluten is a combination of two proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is what makes dough elastic and chewy. One of out of every 141 people in the United States suffer from Celiac disease. People who have this disease experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other intestinal issues when they consume gluten.

They also suffer serious long-term effects because the gluten causes their bodies to trigger an immune response that destroys the lining of their intestines. This makes it nearly impossible for them to absorb vital nutrients.

In addition to people with Celiac disease, there are people like me, who don’t have the disease, but suffer similar symptoms due to severe sensitivity to gluten. I’ve been off of gluten for nearly five months. I feel bright, alert, and a few pounds lighter. So guess what gluten? We are never ever ever getting back together. Ever. (Read more about going gluten free here.)

Tidy up Your Insides

Fat is the storage house for toxins in the body. When you have too many toxins in your system, your liver and kidneys work over time and your body stores fat. Helping your body flush out toxins helps with weight loss.

Try cupping, an ancient Chinese medicine treatment that detoxes your body from the inside out. Jennifer Anniston is a fan. So am I. (Read more about cupping here.)

Enjoy a turkish bath. Your skin is said to be your third kidney. It helps to eliminate the toxins from your body. If your skin is clogged or blocked by dead skin cells, it is more difficult for it to expel the toxins from your body. A Turkish bath helps exfoliate the dead skin cells and clears the way for detoxification through your skin. (Read more here.)

Laugh More

Laughter reduces the stress hormones that cause weight gain. Laughter also causes the brain to release endorphins, the feel good hormone.

Here’s one for you. “I know how to keep my man happy, and keep him, period: meatloaf and blow jobs,” Ayako M., as quoted in Tim Ferriss’ book, The 4-Hour Chef. Feels good to laugh, doesn’t it? Feel that fat melting off? (Read more about the benefits of laughter here.)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make some meatloaf. Gluten free, of course.

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